BOOKING AT CHURCHHAVEN?
Churchhaven is a beautiful fishing village on the edge of the lagoon within the precious wildlife reserve of the West Coast National Park. It’s a haven for nature lovers who embrace the opportunity to live life simply in this beautiful and tranquil place. However, we’ve discovered that many of our guests have different expectations, so please read the information below before going ahead with your booking. We want to be sure that this is the right beach holiday destination for you, and to find you the perfect alternative if it isn’t!
WHY WE LOVE CHURCHHAVEN
• It allows you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the peace and solitude of this protected sanctuary - pure bliss!
• Cooking is done in the gas oven or outside in designated fire pits and Webers. There’s nothing better than cooking together and eating under the stars!
• It’s 100% OFF the grid, but connected to solar power and gas.
• Days are spent idly swinging in hammocks or swimming in the lagoon. There are plenty of walks and birdwatchers will enjoy flocks of flamingos.
• Evenings are spent reading, playing board games, sitting around the fire, and sharing stories.
• During the flower season, Postberg Reserve (just past Churchhaven village) is awash with the world-renowned spectacle of Namaqualand flowers.
CHURCHHAVEN ISN’T FOR YOU IF...
• Don’t do mice or snakes - this is their natural habitat.
• Want to have a loud party or large gathering.
• Need to style your hair daily (sorry, hairdryers etc are not supported by the solar system!).
• Need consistent and reliable phone connectivity - there is some reception but it’s patchy.
• Must have a toaster, an electric kettle, an electric coffee maker or microwave (we have plungers aplenty for coffee lovers and toast can be made in the gas oven / grill).
• Wish to have housekeeping. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to offer this service at any of our Churchhaven hideaways, so please consider if you and your guests will be happy to take care of yourselves, even during a longer stay. Please note most Churchhaven hideaways do not have a dishwasher.
• Are expecting a washing machine, and a fresh change of towels daily. Due to the shortage of water in this protected area, we provide one set of linen and towels for the week.
• Mind having to bring your own drinking water for the duration of your stay.
• Want to use power boats or jet skis; neither are allowed in these waters due to the protected birdlife and the fact that this is a noise-free sanctuary. Please note that kite-surfing is not allowed as it disturbs the flamingos.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK GATE OPENS AND CLOSES AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES:
1 April - 31 July: 07:00 - 17:30
1 August - 30 September:
1 October - 31 March:
- 16:30
There is unfortunately no option for late arrival - once the gate is closed you cannot gain entry. These are WCNP rules in place for the security of the park.
If you arrive after the gate closes you will lose the first night of your booking and must return the next morning.
Once inside the park in the case of an extreme emergency, the gate can be opened.
Please note there is a per-person fee to enter the West Coast National Park.
The Homeowners Association, in their efforts to protect and preserve this peaceful village, have some rules which all guests must please abide by…
• Absolutely no pets allowed.
• Please do not pick up the tortoises; it scares them, they’ll pee on you, losing much-needed fluids!
• Never walk over the marshes. Keep to the sand/ paths/ road.
• There is absolutely no fishing permitted in Churchhaven.
• Please do not exceed the maximum guest numbers - only guests names whose names are on the booking form may stay.
• No drones permitted.
BOOKING MORE THAN ONE HOUSE?
• Please do not drive between houses when you have booked more than one house or visiting friends.
• None of the houses are too far from one another - a lovely stroll - and minimising traffic in the village helps keep things peaceful for all.
• It is hard on the fragile power and water systems when groups from different houses congregate at one house. Please rather gather on the beach.
• Please do not move cutlery/ dishes etc between houses.
• The toilets run on a BIOLYTIX system. So please, no poison or harsh chemicals can be used in the kitchen or bathrooms. We provide natural cleaning products for you.
• Please keep noise to a minimum.
• No drones, kites, motorbikes or scramblers are allowed as they disturb the birds.
• And VERY IMPORTANT: fires are only allowed in the designated fireplaces. DO NOT attempt to move the fire pits or Webers from their designated site. Fire is a huge hazard in Churchhaven and needs to be respected. The nearest fire truck is 40 minutes away and water is limited here. Therefore, it is an absolute no-no to create roaring fires anywhere other than in the designated fireplaces.
• PLEASE use water and power sparingly.
ON DEPARTURE WE ASK THAT
• Guests please don’t leave a pile of dirty dishes - any food left behind attracts animals which can be very destructive.
• Guests recycle as much as possible, especially glass bottles.
• Guests leave the cottage as neat and tidy as possible, lock all doors and windows on departure.
• Put all cushions and towels, lanterns etc inside.
• Return the key to lockbox.
So, now that you have the lowdown, kindly assess carefully whether Churchhaven is the right place for you, your family and friends, and whether you are happy to live life simply for a while. If you prefer a less rustic experience, with more modern conveniences and the possibility of a housekeeping service, we have some wonderful beach house options in Paternoster, Yzerfontein, Blue Water Bay, Britannia Bay and many other coastal villages. Simply chat to us about your needs and we’ll find the perfect hideaway for you.